Six levels
Levels named for what swimmers practice
- 01
Getting in
Yellow dot, ages 4 to 17SkillsComing down the ramp or the steps at your own pace
Getting to know the pool, the room and the instructor
Holding the rail or the instructor's hands
Choosing where to rest
Moving upWhen getting in feels steady and your swimmer chooses to stay in the water, the instructor suggests Settling in the water.
- 02
Settling in the water
Green dot, ages 4 to 17SkillsSitting and standing on the step
Moving along the wall, hand over hand
Splashing and blowing bubbles, if your swimmer likes
Learning the class signs for stop, rest and again
Moving upWhen moving along the wall is easy and the class signs are familiar, the instructor suggests Floating with support.
- 03
Floating with support
Teal dot, ages 4 to 17SkillsFloating on the back with hands under the shoulders
Floating on the front with a noodle or a belt
Resting in a float between turns
Standing back up with a hand
Moving upWhen floating with support is steady and standing back up is easy, the instructor suggests Kicking and reaching.
- 04
Kicking and reaching
Blue dot, ages 4 to 17SkillsKicking at the wall and with a board
Reaching for the instructor and for the wall
Arm pulls on the front or the back
Turning toward the wall
Moving upWhen kicking and reaching carry your swimmer a few body lengths, the instructor suggests Moving on your own.
- 05
Moving on your own
Purple dot, ages 4 to 17SkillsCrossing the shallow end with a float
Rolling from the front to the back
Breathing out with the face in the water, if your swimmer likes
Reaching the wall or the rail
Moving upWhen your swimmer crosses the shallow end and reaches the rail, the instructor suggests Strokes and longer swims.
- 06
Strokes and longer swims
Pink dot, ages 4 to 17SkillsFreestyle and back crawl arms, adapted to the swimmer
Breathing to the side, or lifting the head
Swimming across the width of the pool with rests
Swimming beside a partner
Moving upThis is the top level. Swimmers stay as long as they like, and the instructor adds a new stroke or a longer swim when it is time.
Sample levels.
Every swimmer moves at their own pace.
A half-hour class
- 01
Step 1: Hello and the plan
We meet at the wall and go through the class on a picture schedule, so your swimmer knows what comes first and what comes next.
- 02
Step 2: In the water
Your swimmer practices the skills in their level, with a break whenever they want one. The instructor stays beside your swimmer the whole time.
- 03
Step 3: Play and dry off
Classes end with a game or a favorite activity, then a towel and a quiet minute on the deck.
Not sure where to start?
A placement visit shows us where your swimmer lands.